Assistant Cook - School in Barking

BD Group; Barking; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 60,000; Part time

Job summary

A facilities services firm is seeking a dedicated Assistant Cook to join their dynamic school kitchen team in Barking. You will assist in preparing nutritious meals, ensuring high standards of hygiene, and leading a small team. Ideal candidates will have prior kitchen experience and relevant qualifications in hospitality or food safety. This part-time, term-time role is perfect for those looking for flexible working hours while making a positive impact on young learners' mealtime experience.

Benefits

Perks and discount platform

Pension Scheme

Paid Holidays

Health & wellbeing support

Opportunities for training and development

Qualifications

• Experience in a kitchen or catering environment is essential.
• A qualification in Hospitality & Catering or similar is preferred.
• Knowledge of food hygiene and safety standards is crucial.

Responsibilities

• Assist the Chef Manager in food preparation and cooking.
• Maintain high standards of hygiene and safety in the kitchen.
• Support menu planning and service delivery.

Skills

Kitchen experience

Food Hygiene Level 2

Health and safety knowledge

Team leadership

Time management

Education

City & Guilds or NVQ in Hospitality & Catering

Food Safety Certificate

Job description

Overview

Assistant Cook

Are you passionate about food and ready to make a difference in the lives of young learners? We are seeking a dedicated Assistant Cook to join our dynamic school kitchen team in Barking.

About the Role

As a Assistant Cook, you’ll play a crucial role in preparing and serving nutritious meals to pupils, supporting the Chef Manager in running a smooth and efficient kitchen, helping to lead and develop a small team of assistants as needed. You will help ensure that all food is prepared to high standards, meeting school health and safety regulations and deliver excellent customer service with a smile!

This is a part-time and term-time only role. As such the working hours of this role can be a great fit for those wishing to work around school drop-off / pick-up or other responsibilities.

Responsibilities

• Assist the Chef Manager to ensure all aspects of the kitchen run smoothly in a fast-paced environment.
• Assist in the preparation and cooking a range of meals in line with agreed ingredients and recipes for pupils and staff.
• Maintain high standards of food hygiene, health and safety throughout the kitchen and dining areas.
• Support the Chef Manager in menu planning and food portioning.
• Follow food safety guidelines, ensuring compliance with school and government regulations.
• Help set up and serve meals during lunch periods.
• Assist with managing stock and equipment with care, ensuring items are correctly stored and used.
• Ensure efficiency and great service delivery at all times.
• Carry out stock control and handle cashier / cash handling and reporting responsibilities where required.
• Supervise and provide leadership to the kitchen assistants.

Skills, Qualifications & Experience

• Previous experience in a kitchen or catering environment (school catering experience is a bonus).
• A qualification (such as City & Guilds or NVQ) in Hospitality & Catering / Food Safety / Food Preparation & Service.
• Food related certificates such as Food Hygiene Level 2.
• Good understanding of health and safety procedures.
• Demonstrable knowledge / certification relating to food allergens and cross-contamination principles.
• A genuine passion for cooking and working in a fast-paced kitchen environment.
• Ability to work as part of and assist with leading a team, supporting colleagues to achieve shared goals.
• Strong time management and organisational skills.
• Attention to detail, with a focus on maintaining high standards of hygiene and food quality.
• A positive and proactive attitude, with a commitment to providing pupils, staff and colleagues with the best meal experience possible.

Working Arrangements

• £14.15 per hour starting salary
• Working pattern : 25 hours per week, Monday to Friday
• Term-time only role offering a great work-life balance, ideal for working parents
• Location : Barking
• In line with client requirements, an enhanced DBS check will be required for this role.

About us

BD Group is a facilities services company, providing a range of services for public and private sector clients currently across London and the Southeast, but with aspirations to broaden our geographies over time. Our mission is to help communities live, work and grow to fulfil their potential through the delivery of safe, high-quality services based on our unique understanding of local needs.

Benefits

• Perks and discount platform
• Group Life Assurance
• Pension Scheme
• Paid Holidays from 21 days
• Family Friendly Policies making work-life balance achievable
• Health & wellbeing support including an Employee Assistance Programme (EAP)
• Opportunities for training and development to build your skills further.
• Great offices & local amenities including our on-site Café with discounts available via the BD serve app
• Access to mortgage advisory service
• A great team!

To Apply

This is a great opportunity for someone with some commercial kitchen experience who is looking to step up and develop their leadership and supervisory skills. If you’re keen to be considered, please apply by submitting your CV outlining your skills and experience. We can’t wait to hear from you!